by David Brenneman
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ," Ephesians 1:3.
Have you ever considered your faith in Jesus? Most of us haven't-we vastly under-estimate all Christ has given us. We are like the man who decides to go on a cruise. He makes his reservation and buys buys his tickets. He packs his bags, and, when the day comes, he boards the ship. He goes to the first dinner and takes a look at the long, sumptuous buffet table. Then he sits down, opens a little sack, and pulls out a few crackers and a jar of peanut butter. He doesn't comprehend that all his meals on the ship are covered by the price of his ticket.
This example may sound silly until you realize that you have
instant access to the God of all creation, and yet you may still fret
about issues that are well within His provision to you. You were
given all the blessings of heaven in Christ, and there's never a time
when you're cut off from His presence or supply. So don't remain
in an anxious or needy state. Thank the Father that He has already
given all you require.
Jesus, forgive me for underestimating Your blesings. Thank You for taking care of me. Amen.
- Trusting God with Today, Dr. Charles Stanley.
Before going much further let me preface the post by saying that whenever you find me quoting a segment from one of the devotionals that I have been reading its because it's message struck a chord with me personally and in many cases I included it in my daily journal to remind me of it again.
I know not what my future holds and some may say it's cliche to say that I know who holds my future in His hands...but it's true. Scripture tells us from Jesus Himself concerning the length, breadth, depth and height of our lives. He knew us before we were even born or were able to have a thought of our own.
It's been a learning experience these 7 months with being unemployed. Learning just how complicated the process now is that never used to be. Learning of the true nature of the people who were and are in my life. The consequences of listening to the Spirit in befriending a fellow brother in Christ that started all of this.
Learning of a different way of understanding through experience of "give us this day our daily bread".
Learning to stay committed to my times in the Word both in the morning and evening.
Learning, learning, learning. We who have come to Christ must realize that salvation isn't simply a get out of Hell free gift. It comes with a price that was paid at calvary. We owe our lives to Him who died for us. We begin a journey of transformation towards becoming more like Jesus Christ.
We go through the lush fields and those valley of the shadow of death times. We are going to suffer at times because He suffered at times. We are going to experience higher highs and lower lows than those outside the Church of Jesus Christ. Jesus said that He gives life and not just life, life more abundant (paraphrasing a few verses together).
He doesn't leave us as He found us. He, through the Spirit, cleans us up and gives us His righteousness to wear.
But we still have that sin nature to battle. We too, just as the Disciples, can find ourselves fearful of what our eyes see just as they did when the storm hit while Jesus slept in the boat.
We can and probably will react the same in facing storms ourselves. I still remember the hit below the belt when I was taken off the production floor and accused of things that I knew weren't true and had no way to defend myself nor any avenue to speak on my behalf. Suffice to say that the State cleared me. But I was still without a job. This would be the beginning of a new kind of lessons to be taught to me. It should also be noted that the Bible does say that we are to count ourselves blessed when we suffer for doing what is right in the eyes of God.
Then comes the eventual storm and it's effects. What do we do? What do I do? Where can help come from? As the Scriptures teach us our help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and Earth.
Long before this season of life the passage of Proverbs 3:5-6 had been on my mind and indeed still is. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." The word of God with a promise. Then came another promise Romans 8:28 "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.".
There is also that promise that those who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus are going to suffer. 2 Timothy 3:12.
Another promise comes with my letting go of what my will is in the matter. Romans 12:19 "Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.".
The promises keep coming. To be anxious for nothing...Philippians 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.".
We have the promises of God at our fingertips if we would but claim them then we would see the hands of God.
We don't need to pack a lunch to get us through a situation when God has prepared for us in ways we can't begin to imagine.
I used to have it constantly on my mind about projects around the house...in this season He gave me time to get things done. Providing everything to get it done. Changing my outlook on dealing with situations and even people at times.
Transformation into the likeness of Jesus Christ is the point behind what we go through in life. If there's no situations that challenge your thinking and way of life that require the promises of God...question where you are in Christ. Nobody has arrived while yet breathing the air of this world. Nobody's journey of transformation towards sanctification is complete until they're in Heaven with Jesus.
My faith history reminds me for certain that He who began a good work in me will continue in it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.".
When we look at the storm and not on Our Savior we will be just like they were while Jesus slept in the boat. What Jesus begins He always finishes.
Look not at your situations look to Him who knows more about it than you do. Don't underestimate what God can do and will do for those whom He loved with an everlasting love. Don't underutilize the promises available in Christ for you. Trust and obey for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus than to trust and obey.
All NASB Scripture Excerpts used by permission.
New American Standard Bible
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